Heald/ Hale Lyford Otley Appleby Henley Sanders & More :Information about Leo Lincoln Lyford
Leo Lincoln Lyford (b. November 30, 1860, d. March 20, 1955)
Notes for Leo Lincoln Lyford:These are the Family Tree Maker Notes Pages of Lyford Hale ([email protected]):
Leo and Jennie met at the home of friends (Grandma Clyde says they met at a barn dance).He says a little about this in his diary, which LH has.They were married 2-15-1883, by Rev. Wilson.Leo was 22 and Jennie was 21.
There were two churches in Neponset, Congregational and Methodist.The Lyfords went to the Methodist. Grandma Clyde and her sister, Jane, sang in the choir.The Lyfords had a farm.When Joseph Lyford died March 1, 1900, Leo used his share of the inheritance to move to Kewanee.
On the farm (in Neponset or Kewanee?It's not clear) they raised oats and corn on more than 200 acres.They had a horse and cows.They had a "good" house.Grandma Clyde says she rode the horse.They also had a buggy, which Grandma said she liked to make "go fast."
The Lyfords moved from Kewanee to LA in 1903.According to Grandma Clyde, in a tape-recorded talk with LH, Jennie's cousin, Lillian Galloway Murdock moved from Kewanee to California. Her letters "helped to spread the fever to the Lyfords."They came to LA on a "tourist train."The trip took about a week and they had a "great time."They bought a house on Maple Street and lived there until moving to 1407 Portia St.Lillian and another close friend even lived with them for a while.
Leo Lyford, a farmer in Illinois, went to work for the gas company.Later, Hazel (and, maybe, Bert) helped get him on at Union Hardware & Metals, in LA, where he stayed 25 years.
When the family moved to 1407 Portia Street, in LA onDecember 2, 1921, they bought a square of adjoining lots.Grandma and Grandpa lived at 1407 Portia, LA.One house to the north were Hazel and Bert Caudry.Behind Hazel were Aymee and Bernie Hudson.Behind Grandma and Grandpa was a small house owned by one of them that was a rental.When they bought, there was one house on the lot.The Lyfords built a second house for income.Aunt Hazel later bought it.Aymee and Uncle Bernie built the third house (the tiny one) to live in while they built their house on McDuff.
Leo and Jennie became members of the first Nazarene Church to be founded, called: First Church of the Nazarene, at 1177 West 25th St., Los Angeles.Dr. P.F. Bresee was the founder.This was March 20, 1903.Was 6th and Wall Sts. the second address?Leo was a long-time faithful worker, according to church newsletter. Jennie was a greeter at the door for 30+ years.
Have a certificate: "In Memoriam.This certificate is presented in memory of Mr. L.L. Lyford whose name has been placed on the Memorial Roll Nazarene Foreign Missionary Society Church of the Nazarene.Los Angeles First Church, May 17,1955."
From the Nazarene church newsletter: "Translated to the more excellent glory, Leo L. Lyford passed away in the glorious triumph of the Christian Faith in the early morning of March 20, 1955 at the age of ninety-four.We will hold in precious memory this saintly man who with Mother Lyford occupied the front seat of the sanctuary for so many years.Brother and sister Lyford celebrated their seventy-second wedding anniversary last month.They were received in the membership of First Church by its founder and first pastor, Dr. P.F. Bresee and have been loyal members for fifty-two years.The funeral was conducted at Bresee Brothers' Mortuary with Dr. Weaver W. Hess officiating.Mrs. Ruth Miller sang "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" and "In the Sweet By and By."Mrs. Mary Stewart was at the chapel organ.Our deep sympathies are extended to Mother and the family."
"Have a bulletin from April, 1950.In it is a photo of Grandpa Lyford on his kneesdriving nails as he helps build the new Nazarene church.The caption says:"Dad" Lyford, Old-Timer, Faithful Worker on New Church Building.Mr. and Mrs. L.L. Lyford joined the church in 1903.They have been members for 47 years.From Illinois they came to Los Angeles in the month of February.In March they joined the march from the tabernacle on Los Angeles street to the new church building at Sixth and Wall.Mr. and Mrs. Lyford have been married 67 years."Dad" Lyford will be 90 years of age his next birthday.He is a forward looking man building bridges for youth.He faithfully works on the new church building.He hits the nail on the head.In such a spirit he will never die.He will live forever."A handwritten note in the margin says he worked 200 hours on the building.
From a "This is your life" presentation to the Lyfords at the Nazarene Church, commemorating their 70th wedding anniversary:
"Leo and Jennie were born in Neponset.Great Grandpa Lyford went there in 1834 and helped to start the town. He owned the general store (more detail in Neponset book) and grain elevator.Great Grandpa Otley was a cattleman.
"The Lyfords met at the home of friends, and Leo said it was love at first sight.One afternoon later, as Jennie was ironing, she received a letter.The letter was from Leo asking for a date.
"They were married Feb. 15, 1883 by Rev. Wilson.Leo was 22, Jennie was 21.
"The Lyfords joined the first Nazarene church to be founded, on Los Angeles St..The preacher was Dr. Bresee, who founded the church.A small boy, who became a charter member of the church and later a minister and scholar is the Dr. J. Proctor Knott (his photo is in Aymee's HS yearbook).He is here to honor the Lyfords.
"When the Grand Ave. church was founded in 1908, the Lyfords became charter members.The church used to meet in homes and have prayer meetings.Leo used to lead out in choruses, particularly "I believe the Bible."By 1910, the Lyfords both came back to First church again.
"We would like to say in closing that Mr. and Mrs. Lyford have been faithful in their attendance and support of the church all these years.It was an inspiration and a challenge to all the men of this church to see Mr. Lyford down here night after night, and sometimes days, doing heavy work, helping to build a new church; and Mrs. Lyford has stood at the door greeting friends and strangers for more than 30 years.?
From a newspaper clipping (LA Times): "Couple Mark 70th Anniversary by Exchanging Verbal Valentines.Leo Lincoln Lyford, 92, and his wife Jennie Ann, 91, marking their 70th anniversary yesterday, exchanged verbal 'Valentines,' in answer to the question:
'How have you managed almost three-quarters of a century of wedded bliss?'
'It was easy,' Lyford began.'She's always been a good wife and...'
'Say,' his wife interrupted.'He did it.He did it by being the perfect husband.He doesn't smoke, drink or chew.'
'Tried all three a couple of times,' Lyford admitted, ruefully.'Made me sick every time.'
Both were born in Neponset, Ill. Lyford's middle name springs from the fact that he was born the same year (1860) that Abraham Lincoln was elected to his first term as president.
Married in Neponset in 1883, the couple have made their home in Los Angeles since 1903.Lyford was retired from the Union Hardware & Metals Co. in 1931.
'As I recall,' Lyford said,'our marriage had sort of a grim beginning.'
Seems that about 50 guests attended their wedding and during the reception afterward one of those Midwest snowstorms struck hard.All the guests had to spend the night with the bride and groom.
'The sun was shining brightly yesterday, however, on the little cottage at 1407 Portia St. where the Lyfords entertained some 80 guests, including their four daughters, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren."
On 71st wedding anniversary LA Examiner ran a photo of the Lyfords, calling them the "longest married couple in Los Angeles County."
Leo retired after 35 years with the Union Hardware Metal Co.The Lyfords celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on Feb. 15, just four weeks before he died. (from newspaper obit.).
Leo is buried in Inglewood Memorial Park.
More About Leo Lincoln Lyford:
Fact 1: they moved the family to LA by train, 2-21-1903.
More About Leo Lincoln Lyford and Jane "Jennie" Otley:
Marriage: February 15, 1883, At home of T.C. Otley, Neponset, Illinois.1943
Children of Leo Lincoln Lyford and Jane "Jennie" Otley are:
- +Lottie Clyde Lyford, b. January 17, 1885, Neponset, Illinois1944, d. date unknown.
- +Alma Jane Lyford, b. October 30, 18861945, d. September 02, 19721945.
- Hazel Leona Lyford, b. February 12, 1889, Illinois1946, d. date unknown.
- Aymee Ann Robinson Lyford, b. April 16, 18911947, d. October 26, 1975, Los Angeles, California1948.
- +Joseph Otley Lyford, b. December 29, 18921948, d. December 02, 19281948.
- Marjorie Vivian Lyford, b. August 20, 18961948, 1949, d. 18971950.
- Robert C. Lyford, b. January 17, 19031950, d. January 31, 1909, Los Angeles, CA, fell off a porch1950.